VIGNOBLE DU HAUT ESCAUT

Vignoble du Haut Escaut is located in the north of France, in the heart of a valley shaped by the Escaut River. The vineyard sits on a south-facing hillside known as Le Moulin Brûlé, benefiting from optimal sun exposure and protection from cold northern winds. The clay-limestone soils, rich in flint and underlain by chalk, provide excellent drainage while retaining enough water to ensure balanced vine growth.

Founded by Antoine Vanholebeke at the age of 20, the project was born from strong family roots and a shared passion for the land. Supported by his father, Vincent, and a close circle of family and friends, the vineyard quickly became a collective adventure built on solidarity, dedication, and craftsmanship. Antoine, an agricultural engineer trained at ISA Lille, combines technical knowledge with meticulous vineyard work, from pruning to canopy management.

The first parcels were planted with Chardonnay, a grape variety chosen for its ability to express the freshness and minerality of the local terroir. Thanks to increasing sunshine and favorable microclimates in the valley, the vineyard produces fresh, fruit-driven wines that reflect both the northern identity of the region and the unique characteristics of its soil.

Today, Vignoble du Haut Escaut represents a new generation of northern French winemaking — ambitious, precise, and deeply connected to its land.

At Vignoble du Haut Escaut, quality is guided by precision and craftsmanship at every stage of production. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand at optimal ripeness, followed by meticulous sorting and gentle pressing to preserve the purity of the fruit. Each step, from fermentation to bottling, is carefully monitored to ensure balance, freshness, and aromatic expression.

The wines are vinified using temperature-controlled fermentation and then aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks, ceramic vessels (Clayver®), and oak barrels, depending on the cuvée. This approach allows the vineyard to express both the minerality of its clay-limestone and flint soils and the natural elegance of Chardonnay.

The range includes three distinctive cuvées. Cuvée l’Alouette, the first vintage of the estate, reveals fresh, subtly fruity notes with vibrant acidity. Cuvée du Moulin Brûlé, aged for nine months in oak and ceramic, offers a refined profile with brioche nuances and delicate vanilla tones, with aging potential of up to five years. The exclusive Cuvée V, produced in only 300 bottles, is aged for 16 months in ceramic vessels and pays tribute to the winemaker’s father, expressing depth, finesse, and a strong identity.

Each wine reflects a young yet ambitious northern terroir, crafted with patience and a commitment to artisanal excellence.